Malfuzat – Volume III — Page 253
253 that they are recited like ineffectual incantations without realising their deeper meaning. Following the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet sa is necessary, but seeking to develop inner emotion is also to emulate the Sunnah. Supplicate in your own language—which you understand well—so that your prayer is filled with fervour. A literalist is worthy of contempt; one ought to give regard to the deeper truth. One ought to recite the traditional prayers of the Holy Prophet sa for the sake of blessings as well, but grasp the essence. Of course, one who is naturally comfort- able in Arabic and understands the language should recite in Arabic. ” Smoking Hookah There was discussion on smoking hookah and the Promised Messiah as said: “It is best to relinquish this habit. It is an ill practice. The mouth smells as a result. My revered father of late had composed his own poetic couplet in this regard which he would recite, and it expressed the ill nature of this habit. ” 1 31 August 1901 On 31 August 1901, the Honourable Babu Ghulam Mustafa Sahib, Municipal Commissioner Wazirabad visited Qadian, the Abode of Peace. On this occasion, His Holiness, the Sign of Allah on Earth, on whom be peace, delivered the fol- lowing address in order to convey his message. Do Not Oppose a New Idea Immediately The Promised Messiah as said: “The fact of the matter is that until one reflects on a view without first freeing one’s mind, until one ponders over all the rel- evant aspects, until one listens closely, one cannot relinquish their previous views. Therefore, whenever an individual hears something new, they should not oppose it immediately. In fact, such a person is duty bound to ponder on all its aspects with full reflection, justice and integrity. Most of all, they ought to keep the fear of God Almighty in consideration and ponder in seclusion. Whatever I am about to say at this time is not something that ought to be taken lightly and viewed with a cursory glance, it is a very significant and grand message indeed. It is not something I have crafted myself. In fact, this is the message of God Almighty, so anyone who has the audacity and temerity to reject it, does not reject me, but 1 Al-Hakam , vol. 5, no. 33, dated 10 September 1901, p. 9 p. 231